Java is a bit bloaty as a language, but that doesn't make all Java programs resource hogs. As with any programming language, it depends on the skills of the programmers. Perhaps because Java is too easy to get in to, there as so many poorly performing Java programs out there.

What do they even mean by "default language"? The language in which gnome devs write the software they bundle with gnome? The language they recommend for other people wanting to develop gnome-compatible software? Both/neither?